I’m sure you’re probably sick of hearing this by now, but I was a guest on last week’s edition of “Inside MMA” on HDNet. UFC welterweight contender Karo Parisyan was also on the panel and was candid and outspoken as always. Dann Stupp of MMAjunkie.com did a good job of transcribing Parisyan’s comments on the show, as Parisyan had some interesting things to say about rumors he turned down a fight with Jon Fitch along with his feelings about female MMA.

First, the Fitch rumors:

“I was never offered a fight (with) Jon Fitch ever,” Parisyan said. “Right now, if I want a title shot, I can get a title shot right now — seven months down the line. But I said, ‘That’s too much of a delay, and I’ll get a lot of ring rust.‘

“I don’t want to wait for that long, so I’ll get a fight in between for a more guaranteed win. Jon Fitch? I still think I can beat Jon Fitch. I think I have more tools to beat Jon Fitch. I have tremendous respect for him, but I still think I can beat him… but I need an easier fight than Jon Fitch so I can basically have a high percentage of beating (the opponent) and getting a title shot.“

On when he might fight again next:

“I’m hearing rumors of April 1 at The Palms (Las Vegas),” Parisyan said. “Maybe either Thiago Alves or Marcus Davis — one of those guys. But like I said, I’ve never really dodged a fight at all. I’ll fight anyone. I’ll fight Fedor (Emelianenko) if I have to. Let’s put it that way.“

Sam, nice job sneaking in the question for Karo. I have a feeling his thinking on this will eventually screw up his title shot, assuming he really has one. If he fights a lesser oppenent and doesn’t destroy him, where does that leave Karo? Seems to me the division is just too competitive to pick a contender with two title fights already set. Fitch, or someone else, could get two wins in against quality oppenents in that time.